J-Term opens a world of learning for NCSSM students

January is a very special time for students at the North Carolina School of Science and Math. During this month, students participate in J-Term, which includes two two-week sessions. Each session, students take only one class. What makes this opportunity special is that students can take cross-campus classes, allowing those who live at NCSSM-Morganton to spend two weeks on the NCSSM-Durham campus. For many students, however, the most exciting aspect of J-Term is the opportunity to study abroad.

Each year, students have access to more than 20 opportunities to explore destinations beyond North Carolina and the United States, with experiences lasting from five days to two weeks. This year’s offerings ranged from spending two weeks doing community service at a Chinese boarding school to two weeks unplugging from the world in Baja California, a Mexican state on the peninsula known for gorgeous mountains, deserts, and the best part: the clear blue waters with thriving reefs and wildlife.

This J-Term, I took the opportunity to experience life as an NCSSM-Durham student. My first term, HBCU Tours, allowed a small group of seven students to learn about all 12 Historically Black Colleges and Universities in North Carolina and to tour five schools. This J-Term combined an educational objective with a laid-back setting, allowing students to focus on learning new material both in and out of the classroom.

I maximized my experience on NCSSM’s sister campus by connecting with friends on the Durham campus and taking walks down Ninth Street to indulge in Chicken Bee, a Korean fried chicken restaurant with rave reviews. One highlight of my trip was traveling downtown Durham with friends, my first time using public transportation as my primary mode of transportation. While downtown, I experienced the real NCSSM-Durham life — following my Durham campus friends to a food hall where we caught up over boba, tater tots, and dumplings. Afterward, we walked to the American Tobacco Campus, a historic tobacco factory complex now transformed into a collection of cute shops and dining options.

With its twinkling lights and rustic appearance, the American Tobacco Campus provided the ultimate backdrop for aesthetic photos and fun TikTok dances. After two weeks, my time in Durham came to an end. That Friday, students returned to their home campus or their own homes to prepare for J-Term Session 2.

For many students, J-Term 2 is where the magic happens, as many prepare to leave the state for their travel J-Term. For me, after a refreshing weekend at home, I returned to the Morganton campus to begin a completely different experience, something out of my comfort zone: a course entitled “Anime at NCSSM.” I chose this class to gain exposure to a new topic. Anime, a style of Japanese animation, is something I typically do not spend free time watching.

We spent the second session learning about influential directors and screenwriters who were pioneers or major contributors to the anime world. We watched films by these directors, analyzed their themes, and compared and contrasted their styles. This course introduced me to a whole new world, one I surprisingly enjoyed way more than I expected.

While J-Term 2 kept us on our toes, winter weather cut the session short and sent us home. Though we were at home, the learning continued as our instructors kept us engaged via Zoom and other virtual platforms.

Students return to campus in February to start the spring semester. With time flying by, significant events, such as prom and, eventually, summer break, are on the horizon. The air is buzzing with excitement for the upcoming semester.

As I return, my fellow seniors and I are preparing for the end of our final year and for graduation, which is quickly sneaking up on us. This last semester of my high school career is full of exciting, meaningful events, from leading Black History Month and Mardi Gras events to CultureFest, prom, and, finally, graduation. I am determined to make the most of these final experiences that began with an unforgettable and enriching J-Term.